Remembering Brock

[lin_video src=http://eplayer.clipsyndicate.com/embed/player.js?aspect_ratio=16×9&auto_next=1&auto_start=0&div_id=videoplayer-1377318053&height=480&page_count=5&pf_id=9624&show_title=1&va_id=4246356&width=640&windows=2 service=syndicaster width=640 height=480 div_id=videoplayer-1377318053 type=script]TRUSSVILLE, Ala. (WIAT)- The Hewitt-Trussville Huskies hit the football field Friday night in their first contest of the season. The jamboree game against Pinson Valley had everything you picture when you think about a high school football game. There was the band, the cheerleaders, a packed student body; but, there was something, or rather someone, noticeably absent. It’s only been two weeks since Brock Bowman, a 17-year old junior, lost his life on the Cahaba River. “The kids have been through an incredible tragic kind of deal that you wouldn’t wish on anybody,” said head coach Hal Riddle.

Bowman died August 8th while tubing on the river. According to investigators, he got trapped between two boulders and drowned.

While Bowman was not at the game, he was all over the place. Teammates wrote his number seventy on their wrist and ankle tape, bracelets with his name and number were on many fans hands, and the visiting Indians even brought a sign that read, “Pinson Loves #70.” Bowman’s family was at the game. His mother said she had not planned on attending, but after receiving pictures of the endzones, painted with her son’s name and number, she wanted to come show her gratitude. “I still grieve and my heart aches for my child,” she said. “I’d do anything to see him play football; but, I’m here because this community has done so much for me. ” She said her son loved God, football, and his teammates. “There’s nothing that can bring him back, or replace my love for him or his love for me, but I know that he touched so many, and that is consoling,” she said.

The team has decided to dedicate the season to Bowman. A portion of the jamboree games proceeds will go directly to his family. The wristbands, sold for $2.00 a piece, will fund a scholarship in his honor.